In a thrilling display of baseball prowess, the New York Mets secured a decisive 7-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of the National League Division Series (NLDS). This win propels the Mets to a 2-1 series lead, positioning them just one game away from their first National League Championship Series (NLCS) appearance since 2015.
Command Performance from Sean Manaea
Central to the Mets’ triumph was the masterful performance by pitcher Sean Manaea, who held the Phillies to just one run across seven innings. His performance was a blend of precision and power, as he struck out six players, effectively quelling the aggressive Phillies lineup. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza lauded Manaea's composed approach, saying, "He didn't back down from contact. He didn't back away. We know they are an aggressive lineup, and they showed it right away. They were attacking him but he kept getting the baseball. He had really good rhythm and he went right after. He trusted his stuff. He trusted the game plan, and he didn't back away from it."
This was a significant turnaround for Manaea, who entered the postseason with a daunting 15.26 ERA from his previous playoff appearances. However, this season has been transformative for the 32-year-old pitcher, as he’s allowed just three runs over 12 innings. A pivotal change for Manaea was adjusting his arm slot midseason, an adjustment drawing comparisons to Chris Sale's technique. This modification appears to have refined his performance, giving him the edge he needed to dominate the Phillies.
Despite his on-field focus, Manaea dedicated the game to his Aunt Mabel, who passed away earlier that day. In an emotionally charged moment, he reflected, "That game was for her."
Offensive Surge and Defensive Resilience
On the offensive front, the Mets consistently pressured Philadelphia’s pitching staff. Their batting lineup maintained relentless energy and precision, converting opportunities and adding a steady stream of runs. While the Mets’ bullpen allowed an inherited runner to score, they ultimately remained composed, securing the win for their team.
Mendoza was particularly impressed with Manaea's pitch selection, especially his changeup. "I liked how he used all of his pitches, especially the changeup. And when he needed to make pitches, he did an unbelievable job," he observed. "His mound presence, his demeanor, like there was something different about him today that I'm just proud of him." The subtle but significant changes in Manaea's approach helped the Mets stifle their opponents, maintaining control throughout the game.
Strategic Future for Manaea
As the Mets edge closer to a place in the NLCS, one subplot that's beginning to take shape is Sean Manaea's future. At 32, Manaea holds the option to opt out of his $13.5 million salary for 2025. Given his performance improvements and the attention he's garnering, free agency could be on the horizon. It's a decision that not only impacts his personal career but also the future dynamics of the Mets' roster.
For now, with the series advantage, the Mets are riding high, thanks to Manaea’s stellar pitching performance and a robust offensive effort. As they prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating Game 4, the focus will undoubtedly remain on maintaining the form and rhythm that has brought them within reach of a significant milestone in the 2023 MLB season.